LA GRANDE, Ore. – Dry conditions in eastern Oregon and declining water levels in Thief Valley Reservoir have prompted local fish biologists to remove daily catch limits on the reservoir starting Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Thief Valley Reservoir on the Powder River is currently holding significant water, but the storage level is declining at a rate that would have it at dead storage level by late September. ODFW biologist Tim Bailey says that removing the bag limit now will give anglers a better opportunity to harvest trout that will die later when the reservoir is drained.
“When the water level reaches dead storage, large numbers of trout get trapped in isolated pools,” said Bailey. “Most fish will be stressed in the warm, turbid water and die. Conditions when the reservoir is at dead storage are not conducive to the harvesting of fish,” he added.
From Sept. 11 to Oct. 15, 2019 the daily bag and possession limits for trout are removed with no minimum size. Harvest methods may include hand, dip net or angling.
Thief Valley Reservoir Background
Thief Valley Reservoir is located off I84 exit 285 North Powder, head East onto US-30/OR-237. Turn right onto Telocaset Lane, turn left at tracks to stay on Telocaset Lane. Turn slight right onto Thief Valley Road.
The reservoir is about 15 miles from North Powder and is owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation who allow for recreation facilities located on the Western portion of the reservoir.
Maintenance and operations are provided by the Union County Parks Department with support from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The Park offers 10 primitive camping sites, vaulted toilets, dock, and boat ramp. Thief Valley Reservoir is located in a unique high desert setting with views of the Wallowa and Elkhorn Mountains and a wind farm on the horizon. The park is popular for its fishing and water sports.
Windy conditions can make for treacherous boating and outstanding wind surfing. Ice fishing is popular in the winter months and beware of rattlesnakes in the summer!
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